R.I.P.: Comedian Patrice O’Neal Dead At 41 Following Stroke That Left Him Paralyzed For Weeks

Comedian Patrice O’Neal died last night after a long battle with diabetes, having never recovered from a stroke last month that reportedly left him unable to move or speak.

Talk show host Opie of the Opie & Anthony Radio Show tweeted this morning, “Yes, it’s true that our pal Patrice O’Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I’ve ever known PERIOD.”

O’Neal suffered a stroke in October after a long battle with diabetes. The announcement about his condition was made by a group of his comedian friends and peers on the popular Sirius radio show, but few details have been made known since then at the wishes of his family.

O’Neal was best known for his darkly playful sense of humor and for saying exactly what was on his mind. While O’Neal was polarizing voice who was often as disliked as much as he was beloved, he was revered by peers and audiences alike for his fearlessness, a characteristic that was in bold relief during the Sheen Roast.